More than 10,000 believers from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church spoke out in defense of the Kyiv Metropolis in court

More than 10,000 parishioners of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) have officially filed legal petitions to defend the interests of the Kyiv Metropolis. The scale of support from the faithful demonstrates unprecedented unity amid ongoing pressure on the religious organization.

Attorney Nikita Chekman, who represents the Church’s interests at , noted that active citizen participation is crucial for the legal protection of holy sites. Currently, the legal team is handling 63 active court cases aimed at protecting monasteries, parishes, and clergy. The number of lawsuits is constantly growing, forcing the legal association to recruit additional specialists.

According to the data received, in the case concerning the attempt to dissolve the Kyiv Metropolis of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church alone, the courts have received more than 10,400 petitions from believers in various regions. At the same time, legal support continues for cases aimed at protecting the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. The lawyers also emphasize the importance of social support: a hotline for questions regarding the mobilization of clergy is operational and has already received more than 160 inquiries.

During the briefing, the attorneys also expressed concern about acts of violence against clergy, citing incidents at the Svyatogorsk Lavra. The defense team promised to seek accountability for all those involved in the attacks on the monasteries. As a reminder, the next hearing in the case regarding the status of the Upper Lavra is scheduled for September 29, 2026.